I searched online trying to get an idea of what I wanted. At that time my main emotion was hope, and Id say it all the time.. I hope I dont get cancer again, I hope this.. I hope that. Finally realized, I wanted HOPE. So I talked with the tatoo artist and she suggested spelling HOPE out in the cancer ribbon. One star for my caregiver (mom), one star for my drs at MDAnderson and one star in memory of the people I have met at MDAnderson. I see it and I just smile, I still have hope. :)

Hi everyone. I know I originally proposed the phoenix and a linking idea for all of us. I'm thinking a little differently now. This process has been very personal for me as I have avoided tats until now. But now I want to celebrate this battle for me and everyone who goes through this here at CSN. So I'm adding CSN to the tat I finally settle on (which wont be a phoenix, more on that in a sec). I'm thinking that adding CSN is kinda like the Marine Semper Fi idea (shortened from the Latin semper fidelis which means always faithful). That, I feel, will connect me forever to my CSN brothers and sisters.

Also, my partner and I would like to celebrate our heritage (we're both passport holding Irish citizens - she was born there) in our tats (yep, caregivers are survivors too). What we've decided is the Irish phrase mhair me (pronounced vair may) and it means I Survived. Along with that we'll get a Celtic symbol for renewal (a tree possibly) which we have not decided on yet.

I didn't care for tatoos then when I turned 41 I wanted one. Then after my diagnosis I really wanted one. I wanted a small tasteful Rennaisance style cross to the right of my left hip.

My step mom talked me out of it giving me horror stories and bringing up the bad luck I usually have and she talked me out of it. Now I am too scared something would go wrong. But I still kinda want one. :( off to look at u guys pictures.

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